Lazaro Gamio / Axios
Spicer started today's off-camera briefing by describing how "extremely pleased" Trump is to have successfully negotiated the release of Aya Hijazi and the other humanitarian workers who were held in Egypt — something Obama was unable to do. Other takeaways:
- Government shutdown: Spicer revealed that OMB has ordered federal agencies to submit plans for a government shutdown — a routine step. Added that the administration "remains confident that we are not going to have a shutdown."
- Healthcare reform: "It will get done when we feel like we've got the votes... if we can get it done next week, great."
- Funding on border wall: "I don't know that it's a sticking point, but it's a priority."
- French election: "No," Trump doesn't have a preferred candidate in the French election, said Spicer.
One fun thing: Spicer said that the White House press are welcome to bring their kids to work next Thursday in honor of the "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day."